Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

What is PRP? 

• Treatment that combines micro needling and one's own platelets
• Platelets have a high concentration of growth factors to reverse aging and treat acne scars, pigmentation, tighten wrinkles, smooth and brighten skin, and other common skin conditions. 
• Used for regenerative treatments for decades
• First used in the orthopedic field
• Many athletes now a days receive PRP injections to help heal injuries
• Cardiac surgery, pediatric surgery, gynecology, urology, plastic surgery, and ophthalmology all use PRP in their fields

The Science: 

• Platelets are cytoplasmic fragments of megakaryocytes formed in marrow and contain 30 bioactive proteins which are a fundamental part of hemostasis or tissue healing 
• Seven fundamental protein growth factors actively secretes in platelets promote collagen and elastin growth:
• PDGF, TGF, VEGF, EGF, FGF, CTGF, and IGF
• Also includes three proteins that act as cell adhesion molecules: 
• Fibrin
• Fibronectin
• Vitronectin 
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses injections that are from a patient's own platelets to accelerate healing in tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints.
• The field of Hematology created the term PRP in the 1970s to describe the plasma with the platelet count above that of peripheral blood, which was initially used for transfusion product to treat patients with thrombocytopenia. 
• Ten years after that, PRP started to be used in maxillofacial surgery as PRF. 
• PRF; the Fibrin had adherence and homeostatic properties
• PRP; had the anti-inflammatory characteristics which stimulated cell proliferation

How it is used in Dermatology: 

1. Cleansing of the face
2. Topical cream applied 20 minutes before to numb the skin 
3. During the numbing time period, medical staff draw the patient's blood and place into a centrifuge to isolate plasma and platelets from red cells
4. The plasma is applied on the face, reapplied during the micro needling process and applied after 
5. For those wanting an extra boost in areas, (i.e. perioral, periorbital, or deep wrinkles and scars) PRP can be injected into those areas to induce additional collagen and elastin growth

Three groups that can receive the most benefit: 

Patients interested in a routine to help slow down the aging process. 

1. • treatment stimulates growth of the supporting structures in the skin, it will counter react to normal aging causing laxity of the skin 
   • Can be done up to four times a year 
   • Long term benefits will be significant with consistent treatment 

Patients who have gone through a stressful period in their life, physically or emotionally.

1. • Stress can make us age faster
   • PRP decreases degradation of collagen and elastin that is caused by stress 
   • Recommended to receive a treatment every month, for a total of 4-6 treatments

Patients with issues such as acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and pigmentation.

• • Depending on the condition and severity of it, 3-6 treatments are recommended 

Since PRP uses a patient's own blood, there are little to no risks of getting an infection or allergic reaction. I consider it very natural and holistic treatment. It is one of my favorite treatments for rejuvenation. I especially like the PRP facial and PRP injections for the periorbital area because it is safe unlike fillers and Botox that can cause complications in that area.